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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Experts sound alarm as typically dry US state faces destructive flash floods: 'This is something that we're going to have to get used to'
Though New Mexico has been one of the driest states in the country, it recently experienced some devastating flash flooding. Videos shared by Fox Weather appeared to show people stuck in their vehicles as rushing waters raced by. In late June, "a surge of monsoon moisture" soaked parts of New Mexico, the result, according to Fox Weather, of the "heat dome" in the east pushing moisture toward the south. The state saw flash flood warnings and watches for a period of days, with Roswell and its surrounding areas among the hardest hit. "We are flooding, and this is something that we're going to have to get used to this year, unfortunately," said Eugene Heathman, general manager of Ruidoso News, in a video. Several parts of the United States have been rocked by extreme weather in 2025, from flooding in West Virginia to tornadoes ripping across numerous states. Extreme weather isn't new, but it is becoming more severe. Climate experts told the Associated Press in 2023 that heat, precipitation, and fires are becoming more intense, driven, at least partially, by rising global temperatures. "The data show that precipitation variability is increasing, something scientists have been predicting for decades — meaning that it'll be dry for longer and then, when it rains, it'll flood," said Andrew Dessler, director of the Texas Center for Climate Studies and a professor at Texas A&M University. How does this happen? Think of the atmosphere like a sponge. When temperatures heat up, the sponge expands and can hold more water. Increasing global temperatures help the atmosphere hold more water than usual, giving it plenty to dump when storms hit. All that excess water can cause massive floods that damage homes, businesses, and roads, bringing injuries and fatalities too. Coastal areas can also be devastated by floods and storm surges when sea levels rise, a result of ice sheets melting in our warming world. Researchers have found that coastal flooding is happening more frequently, and they only expect the trend to continue. Human activity that burns dirty energy sources can intensify weather events. Driving gas-powered vehicles, urbanization, and deforestation can all lead to more heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere, making storms stronger and more unpredictable. Taming destructive floods and more can start with fighting this pollution. Fortunately, many governments and other stakeholders are committing to curbing the problem, which may encourage others to take action. Late last year, for example, New Zealand pledged to reduce pollution by as much as 55% by 2035. And Google is using artificial intelligence to learn how technology impacts the climate and how companies can do better. That doesn't mean that small-scale changes can't make a big difference. Even something as simple as using energy efficiently — like turning off lights in rooms that aren't in use and unplugging unused devices — is an excellent first step. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Installing solar panels with battery storage can also help you use cleaner energy and make your home more resilient to the extreme weather events that can knock out power grids. EnergySage even offers a free service to compare quotes from vetted installers, with the potential to save consumers up to $10,000 on installation. This underscores an important point about making the switch to cleaner, more sustainable energy sources: They can also benefit the bottom line for municipalities and for families. Continuing to explore critical climate issues certainly is about learning how everyday choices can affect the bigger picture — but it's also about uncovering opportunities and win-wins for everyone on planet Earth. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Flood waters trap drivers in Ruidoso as more 'life-threatening' flash flooding possible
Videos of drivers trapped in vehicles submerged in Ruidoso flood waters are making the rounds on social media — a stark reminder of the importance of following warnings from local emergency officials. The images were shared by Ruidoso News on Monday, June 23, and captured a person being rescued from a vehicle by emergency crews near Ruidoso Downs, on Highway 70 and Cliff Road. In another video, flood waters could be seen moving swiftly around at least two vehicles in the same area. Ruidoso, along with other parts of New Mexico and West Texas, is under a flash flood watch until Wednesday, June 25. Some areas could receive one to three inches of rainfall, while isolated areas may experience up to four inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service. In Ruidoso, multiple rounds of heavy rainfall are anticipated over the South Fork and Salt Fire burn scars over the next several days, according to the National Weather Service. Nearly two inches of rainfall is expected to fall through Wednesday, June 25, but up to five inches could fall in a worst-case scenario. The flash flooding has the potential to be "catastrophic" and "life-threatening," said the National Weather Service. If you are a Ruidoso resident or planning a visit, the village has released a real-time road conditions map. The RAIN (Ruidoso Alert Information Network) map is provided to inform the public about flooded roads and is continuously updated, according to the Village of Ruidoso. The map also displays any active wildfires in the area. Sometimes floods develop slowly, and forecasters can anticipate where a flood will happen days or weeks before it occurs. Often, flash floods can occur within minutes, sometimes without any visible sign of rain. Being prepared can save your life and give you peace of mind. Create a Communications Plan Assemble an Emergency Kit Know Your Risk Sign Up for Notifications Prepare Your Home Prepare your Family/Pets Charge Your Essential Electronics Leave During a flood, water levels and the rate at which the water is flowing can quickly change. Stay informed and monitor local radio and television stations. Avoid flood waters at all costs and evacuate immediately when water starts to rise. Stay Informed: Listen to radio and television, including NOAA Weather Radio if possible, check the Internet and social media for information and updates. Get to Higher Ground: If you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in a low-lying area, get to higher ground immediately. Obey Evacuation Orders: If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Lock your home when you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances. Practice Electrical Safety: Don't go into a basement or any room if water covers the electrical outlets or if cords are submerged. If you see sparks or hear buzzing, crackling, snapping or popping noises--get out! Stay out of water that may have electricity. Avoid Flood Waters: Don't walk through flood waters. It only takes 6 inches of moving water to knock you off your feet. If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible. Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@ @NatassiaPaloma on X; natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma Thompson on Facebook. More: 'We have a lot to be thankful for': Ruidoso rebuilds after fire and flood devastation This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Ruidoso flood 2025: Waters trap drivers, more flash flooding possible
